Section 301-Vietnam
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a probe into Vietnam’s trade practices. The investigation is focused on acts, policies and practices related to the import and use of timber, as well as its currency valuation.
USTR, Robert E. Lighthizer, stated: “President Trump is firmly committed to combatting unfair trade practices that harm America’s workers, businesses, farmers, and ranchers. Using illegal timber in wood products exported to the U.S. market harms the environment and is unfair to U.S. workers and businesses who follow the rules by using legally harvested timber. In addition, unfair currency practices can harm U.S. workers and businesses that compete with Vietnamese products that may be artificially lower-priced because of currency undervaluation. We will carefully review the results of the investigation and determine what, if any, actions it may be appropriate to take.”
Retroactive Exclusions
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided updated guidance regarding the process for submitting retroactive claims for Section 232 and 301 product exclusions to CBP. Product exclusions granted by the Department of Commerce (DOC) and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) may be retroactive for unliquidated entries and for liquidated entries that are within the 180-day period following liquidation.
If an exclusion has been granted, an importer may request a refund on unliquidated entries by filing a Post Summary Correction or a protest on liquidated entries that are still within the protest period.
CBP COBRA Fees
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that certain Customs user fees are being adjusted for fiscal year 2021.
Among these adjustments is a change to the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) minimum and maximum for formal entries, which will increase to $27.23 and $528.33 respectively. Janel will continue to monitor these situations and will provide more information as details unfold. If you have questions regarding any of these matters, please reach out to your Janel Group Account Representative.